Asbestos Overview

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals that were once used widely in insulation, brake pads, and other products. All new uses have been banned since 1989 because asbestos is known to cause lung problems, including cancer, decades after high exposures. Children are not typically at risk for these diseases because they do not work in industrial settings; however, some home and school construction projects can disturb old asbestos. Appropriate construction practices and avoidance of known sources of asbestos, along with avoidance of tobacco smoke, are the best ways to avoid unnecessary risk to children.